Backpacking Vale do Pati (Brazil)

The Vale do Pati hike in Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil, offers some of the most diverse landscapes imaginable. On this trek you’ll see cascading waterfalls, clifftop viewpoints, and the iconic flat-topped mountains and plateaus that define the region. 

A highlight of hiking Vale do Pati is the breathtaking Cachoeirão viewpoint, a panoramic vista of up to 20 waterfalls. Additionally, staying with local families in the valley allows you to experience the authentic culture of the region while contributing to sustainable eco-tourism initiatives.

In this guide to hiking Vale do Pati independently, I’ll share how you can explore the highlights of this region without the need for a guide. I’ll also summarize my 4-day solo backpacking trip, giving you an idea of what to expect on your own Vale do Pati camping adventure!

If you need a refresher, check out my guide to day hiking and beginner’s guide to backpacking. For more places to explore in Brazil, browse my Brazil destination guides.

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Vale do Capão

What is Vale do Pati?

Vale do Pati is a picturesque valley located in Chapada Diamantina National Park in Bahia, Brazil. Historically, indigenous people inhabited this area. Chapada Diamantina saw a brief period of mining activity after the discovery of diamonds in the region during the colonial era. Following the decline of mining activities, the local economy transitioned to cattle ranching and agriculture. At that time, Vale do Pati became home to a small farming community. Today, these local families welcome visitors into their historic houses as part of the region’s ecotourism initiatives.

Why Visit Vale do Pati Without a Guide?

Most visitors to Vale do Pati join a guided tour and stay in local houses within the valley. However, it is completely possible to trek Vale do Pati without a guide. When I was planning my own trip, I didn’t find much information on this option, so I’m excited to share everything I learned with you!

First and foremost, camping along the Vale do Pati trek is free and doesn’t require a permit. This is great news considering that the guided tours often start at $300. By backpacking Vale do Pati without a tour, you’ll also discover beautiful camping opportunities at various points along the trek. In contrast, guided tours typically confine participants to accommodations in the valley. During my Vale do Pati backpacking trip, I camped near the famed Cachoeirão viewpoint for a night. I was able to enjoy a peaceful sunset and sunrise there without the crowds that often arrive later in the day.

Lastly, hiking Vale do Pati independently gives you the freedom to explore lesser-known sites that guided tours may overlook. For example, you’ll have the chance to visit the expansive plains between Bomba and the valley, as well as Cachoeira do Calixto.

Is Vale do Pati Safe to Visit Without a Guide?

I will say that if you don’t have much experience backpacking, I don’t recommend attempting Vale do Pati unguided. Some parts of the trails are overgrown and difficult to navigate. As the hike is remote and few travelers (and even fewer foreigners) choose to explore it unguided, it’s essential to be self-sufficient and well-prepared. I became somewhat of a local celebrity for completing this trek as a solo foreign woman!

If you’re an experienced hiker but hesitant about the full-on Vale do Pati camping route, another option is to hike independently and stay in the hostels within the valley.

Overall, with proper preparation, Vale do Pati is a safe destination to visit. Despite Brazil’s somewhat unfair reputation for safety concerns among tourists, I felt entirely safe during my solo treks in Chapada Diamantina. The local guides I encountered were welcoming and supportive, offering valuable advice and reassurance about me being alone.

How Long to Visit

The Vale do Pati hiking route I took starts in Bomba, descends into Vale do Pati, then returns to Bomba. It’s important to note that the valley itself constitutes only a portion of this trek. If hiking Vale do Pati without a guide, you can expect to allocate 1-2 days for the hike into the valley, 1-2 days for exploring the valley itself, and another 1-2 days for the return trek to Bomba.

If you’re traveling with a guided tour or arranging transportation that drops you off closer to the valley’s trailheads, it’s possible to visit Vale do Pati in just 3 days. However, given the wealth of natural beauty and attractions in the area, I highly recommend allowing for more time. 4-6 days is a good amount of time, especially if you’re starting and ending the trek in Bomba.

Vale do Pati Map and Trail Information

Vale do Pati Map

The trail map above shows the route that I took, covering approximately 39 miles (63 km) with 8,500 feet (2,590 m) elevation gain. The Vale do Pati difficulty rating really depends on how much distance you are trying to cover per day. The terrain is not particularly physically strenuous or difficult, aside from a few overgrown and potentially muddy sections. I found that I didn’t really need to use my trekking poles for support despite my heavy pack. 

There are of course endless variations you could make to this trek. For starters, to significantly shorten the trek, you can skip the (albeit stunning) plains between Bomba and the valley. In this case, try to arrange transportation with a tour group to one of the trailheads closer to the valley, such as Guiné. Similarly, if you’ve hiked in from Bomba but wish to avoid retracing your steps, you may be able to organize a ride out from Guiné by chatting with the tour groups at the hostels in the valley.

The route I took covers the main highlights of things to do in Vale do Pati. However, if you have more time, you may want to venture to the base of Cachoeirão (Cachoeirão por Baixo). This adventurous and lesser-traveled trail would be an out-and-back route from the valley and offers an alternative perspective of the waterfalls.

Vale do Pati Backpacking Trail Report

Day 1 of Vale do Pati Trek

Starting at Bomba

I started my trek early in the morning, walking from Capão to Bomba. To skip this 3.7 mi (6 km) road walk, you can arrange a taxi. Look for moto-taxis for a cheaper option! You can also try hitchhiking, although I didn’t see much traffic on the road while I was walking. 

In the first section of the trail, you’ll encounter a side trail that loops through Poço Angélica and Cachoeira da Purificação. I attempted the first part of this loop before turning back; recent rain made the steep path extremely muddy and slippery. Also, I found the scenery to be somewhat underwhelming compared to the breathtaking sights later in the trek.

Walking Through the Plains

The initial 2.5 miles (4 km) of the trek involves a climb that rewards you with a magnificent view overlooking Vale do Capão. Upon reaching the top, the trail diverges; stay to the right. This stretch of trail is mostly flat but exposed, so bring good sun protection. During my hike, rain transformed the trail into a muddy stream, leading to soggy conditions. Despite the mostly flat terrain, I slipped many times! It wasn’t even the end of day 1 yet and my shorts, socks, and shoes were already completely caked in mud. 

Around 5 miles (8 km) into the hike, you’ll encounter a side trail on the left leading to Rancho, a small shelter located beside a natural pool with a waterfall. This idyllic spot offers an excellent respite for lunch or to camp overnight. Unlike the exposed plain area, Rancho is shaded by abundant vegetation. Here, I met a friendly Brazilian couple that was camping in the shelter. Over my 4 days in the wilderness, they would be the only other people I met who were tackling the Vale do Pati trek without a tour guide!

Returning to the main trail from Rancho, you’ll follow a short and steep climb to the top of the plateau. From here, the path cuts through the plains, which are filled with vibrant wildflowers. The views are breathtaking as you approach Vale do Pati and the iconic flat-topped mountains come into view. Fortunately, the rain clouds parted just in time to reveal these stunning panoramas during my hike. I paused for a lunch break at Mirante do Pati, one of the best viewpoints on this trek.

Camping at Toca do Gavião

From the valley viewpoints, I continued further south of Vale do Pati until I reached Toca do Gavião. I was surprised to find this perfect campsite (sheltered under a large rock structure and next to a river) completely deserted. After setting up camp and rinsing the mud from my clothes, I did an out-and-back hike to the Cachoeirão viewpoint (2.5 mi / 4 km) in hopes of catching a nice sunset. However, the lighting wasn’t optimal, and I decided to try visiting again the next morning.

By the end of day 1, I had covered a total of 20 miles (32 km), thanks to the moderate terrain and an early start. If you’re visiting in winter (May to September), be aware of early sunset times.

Day 2 of Vale do Pati Hike

Cachoeirão

The next morning I returned to the Cachoeirão viewpoint, but the sun rising in the canyon did not make for the best views. Considering the viewpoint’s orientation, I think mid-afternoon might provide better lighting conditions. It’s probably not a coincidence that this is also when the tour groups seem to visit!

Bear in mind that the trail from Toca do Gavião to the Cachoeirão viewpoint can be hard to navigate (open, unmarked rocky terrain), so have your downloaded trail map ready. When you arrive at Cachoeirão, be sure to descend to the rocky cliff overlooking the waterfalls. There are two distinctive rock ledges that offer excellent photo opportunities!

Although it’s not heavily trafficked, there is actually a path leading from the Cachoeirão viewpoint down to the bottom of the waterfall and into Vale do Pati. However, I chose not to take it, as I heard it was steep and rocky—not ideal for a solo trekker with a heavy backpack. Instead, I retraced my steps along the longer yet well-trodden and gently sloping trail toward the valley.

Entering Vale do Pati

As I descended into Vale do Pati from the arid plains above, I felt like I was entering a lush green paradise.

Upon reaching the valley floor, I searched unsuccessfully for a place to pitch my tent. Knowing that family farms operate in the area, I didn’t want to accidentally camp on private land. I saw a cleared space right next to the trail by the river, but I hesitated to leave my belongings unattended there due to the constant foot traffic.

After visiting a few hostels, I discovered that some only offered dorm beds and did not accommodate campers with tents. I eventually decided to camp at the hostel located right beside the river, indicated as “Hostel” on AllTrails. I paid 40 reals to pitch my tent and for access to a phone charging station, cold showers, and common areas. After two days of backpacking through mud and rain, these simple comforts felt like true luxuries!

Morro do Castelo

After pitching my tent, it was still early in the day so I decided to check out some of the major attractions within Vale do Pati: Morro do Castelo (“Castle Hill”) and the nearby waterfalls. The trail up to Morro do Castelo spans just 1 mile (1.6 km) but is steep, climbing over 1,000 feet (300 m). Make sure to drop off your heavy camping gear before attempting the ascent! Also bring a headlamp, since the final stretch of the trail traverses a tunnel en route to the viewpoint on the opposite side of the hill.

FYI, some guided tour groups I met allocated an entire day to the 2-mile round trip to Morro do Castelo. Just another reason to consider trekking Vale do Pati independently to be more efficient with your time!

Having crawled on my hands and knees in previous South America caving experiences, I was pleasantly surprised by the spaciousness of the Morro do Castelo cave. Though the cave ceilings are high and the path is generally clear, you should use a headlamp because it gets very dark. When exiting the cave, head towards the rocky ledges that lead to the best vantage points. Try to follow the tour groups. At one point I found myself lost in the bushes on the other side of the cave, only to be informed by one of the guides that the area was inhabited by snakes.

From the rocky ledges, you’ll see a panoramic view of the plains and mountains on the opposite side of the valley. You can even see the impressive Cachoeira do Calixto from above. If you’re continuing the full trek, you’ll visit this waterfall later on.

Vale do Pati Waterfalls

After descending from Morro do Castelo, I continued hiking to explore some of the Vale do Pati waterfalls. On the way there, I took the trail that follows the river. However most of the time, the river itself was the trail! I don’t recommend this route; it involved a frustrating amount of rock-hopping and river crossing. Instead, I recommend taking the trail further from the river that entails going up and down a small hill. 

My first stop was Cachoeira das Bananeiras, a stunning wide cascade. Just beyond this waterfall was Cachoeira dos Funis, a towering waterfall with a deep pool that was popular for swimming. The water was too cold for swimming for me, especially since I arrived near sunset and the temperature had dropped significantly. 

As I made my way back to my tent at the hostel, the setting sun illuminated the hills of Vale do Pati in a warm glow, which was the perfect ending to the day.

Vale do Pati Camping at the Hostel

After covering a total of 15 miles (24 km) on day 2, I was glad to be camping at a hostel and to have access to showers. It was also nice having people to chat with after spending the previous night completely alone in the wilderness. The hostel provided a pleasant atmosphere for all of the guests: they built a bonfire, and the food served at the communal dinner table looked delicious. It was a new moon and a cloudless night, so I spent some time stargazing with a new friend before going to sleep.

Day 3 of Vale do Pati Hike

Poço da Prefeitura

By Day 3, I became known in Vale do Pati as the brave woman backpacking alone. Everyone I encountered on the trail started calling me “La Japonesa”. I am actually half-Thai, but I guess that’s close enough! 

At this point I decided to start making my way back to Capão. Although there were a few other things to do in Vale do Pati that I had not explored (including the Cruzeiro viewpoint), I was happy with everything I’d managed to see.

On my way out, I was curious to check out Poço da Prefeitura, a large pool in the river. While I wouldn’t say it’s a must-see attraction, the camping area was spacious, well-sheltered, and, surprisingly, empty.

Cachoeira do Calixto

From Poço da Prefeitura, I returned to the main trail and made my way to Cachoeira do Calixto. Few tour groups make it to this impressive waterfall, so it’s very peaceful. I ran into the same tour group I saw at Morro do Castelo the day before and chatted with their guide. 

When you see the tour groups in Vale do Pati, you’ll notice that the guides carry huge backpacking packs, while the guests carry light daypacks or nothing at all. I learned that the guides carry all of the food and water for their groups, which are sometimes quite large! During our conversation, this guide offered me some of his group’s lunch spread, explaining that he wouldn’t be eating his portion because he subsists on LSD, cigarettes, and marijuana. He laughed at my surprise, telling me that all of the guides in Chapada Diamantina are a bit eccentric. Although I politely declined his offer of food and other substances, I took him up on help locating a clean natural spring and advice for the next section of the trail.

Jungle and Plains

The section of the trail beyond Cachoeira do Calixto was brutal. It ascended through a dense jungle that was overgrown with vegetation and difficult to navigate. Once I emerged from the jungle, it didn’t get much better. I next encountered plains with tall, sharp grass that cut through my skin. Long pants and long sleeves are absolutely necessary here. The grass came up to my shoulders at some points! I was also afraid of hidden snakes lurking in the grass. 

Given the remote nature of this section, it’s important to be well-prepared in case of any issues, as you may not encounter other hikers. If this makes you nervous, consider taking the same trail you took to enter Vale do Pati, which is better maintained.

On a positive note, this rugged trail offers spectacular views of Vale do Pati and the plateau on the opposite side. Also, about 1.2 miles (1.9 km) after Cachoeira do Calixto, there’s a small, unmarked waterfall that serves as an excellent spot for a break or camping.

Camping in the Plains

As I hiked through the plains towards Vale do Capão, it was late afternoon and I still wasn’t sure of my plans for the day. I hesitated between going all the way back to Capão (which would involve some hiking in the dark after sunset) or camping another night along the trail.

Feeling worn out from the rough and slow-going trail conditions, I eventually decided to call it a day. I set up camp next to a large river approximately 1.2 miles (1.9 km) before the trail fork leading back to Bomba. Shortly after I pitched my tent, a large group of Brazilians arrived and collapsed in the grass nearby for a collective power-nap. I wished them luck as they set off for the remaining 3.5 miles (5.6 km) to Bomba around sunset, knowing they’d soon be hiking in the dark.

Day 4 of Vale do Pati Trek

Returning to Bomba

I was alone at the campsite that night, and was briefly woken in the middle of the night by a hiker’s headlamp as they passed by the trail. The next morning, I walked the remaining 7 miles (11.3 km) back to Bomba and to Capão. Once back in the city, I treated myself to a filling local lunch. Before even unpacking, I was already planning more treks in Chapada Diamantina. Vale do Pati exceeded all of my expectations, and I was eager to explore more!

Vale do Pati Camping Locations

Good places to camp are generally indicated on AllTrails. However, some of these have space for just 1 tent or no water sources. Here’s the places I recommend, in the order they occur on the trek:

Rancho. There’s space to pitch a tent inside the small shelter, and there’s a pool with a small waterfall next to it. If you don’t camp here, head straight to Toca do Gavião. I don’t advise camping between Rancho and Toca do Gavião due to the lack of reliable water sources and soggy terrain after rain.

Toca do Gavião. A cave-like structure with space for a couple of tents underneath. There are additional cleared spots nearby and easy access to the river.

Vale do Pati. Finding a suitable camping spot in the valley may require some searching. For convenience, it may be easier to pitch your tent at a hostel (I stayed at the one marked “Hostel” on AllTrails). Alternatively, there’s at least one cleared tent space near the trail by the river, but be cautious about leaving belongings unattended due to heavy foot traffic.

Poço da Prefeitura. Although this spot is lesser-visited, it has numerous campsites under a large rock structure and in the vicinity. It’s also right next to the river.

Cachoeira do Calixto. There’s a few cleared spots near the waterfall.

Unnamed Waterfall. Approximately 1.2 miles (1.9 km) after Cachoeira do Calixto, there’s space for maybe one tent next to a small waterfall.

River Campsite. On the way back to Capão, you can camp next to a large river around 1.2 miles (1.9 km) before reaching the trail fork leading back to Bomba. While there’s a marked campsite about 1 mile (1.6 km) prior to this (near Morro do Manoel Vítor), it lacks a water source, so I don’t recommend it.

If you prefer not to camp, you can stay in hostels in the valley, which offer dorm beds, cold showers, restrooms, and meals. Reservations are not really necessary outside of peak seasons. However, you can contact some hostels via WhatsApp to inquire (not all will have online presence).

Vale do Pati Water Sources

All of the Vale do Pati campsites mentioned above have reliable water sources. Throughout the loop, especially in the first and last few miles, you’ll encounter frequent rivers. However, you’ll need to bring enough water to get from Rancho to Toca do Gavião, from Toca do Gavião to the Valley, and for the long walk through the plains after leaving Cachoeira do Calixto.

Be aware that, like most of the water in Chapada Diamantina, the water in Vale do Pati is brown colored due to organic material. It’s safe to drink if filtered. A guide also showed me a spring next to Cachoeira do Calixto, where the water was safe to drink unfiltered.

Useful Tips for Hiking Vale do Pati

• Limited phone service. Expect no phone service on the trail. Download hiking trail GPS information in advance.
• Beat the heat. Start hiking early. Much of the Vale do Pati trek is not shaded and can get hot.
• Leave no trace. Let’s do our part to keep this place beautiful.
• Beware of wildlife. While I didn’t see any, local guides mentioned that this area can be full of snakes. Stay on trail whenever possible and be extra cautious navigating overgrown sections of the trail.
• Be prepared for rough conditions. The trails get very muddy, wet, and slippery after rain. Some parts of the trail are overgrown and at times difficult to find. Make sure you have the trail map downloaded ahead of time for help navigating.
• Be self sufficient. Depending on when you do this trek, you may not see a single other backpacker on the trail. Make sure you have everything you need. Also, knowing some words in Portuguese (and having Portuguese downloaded on Google Translate) will help you communicate with accommodation hosts in the valley.

Vale do Pati Weather and When to Go

Chapada Diamantina and the Vale do Pati hike can be visited year-round. Weather variations between seasons are less drastic compared to other regions of Brazil. Temperatures are generally warm all year.

May to September is the dry season, which also coincides with slightly cooler temperatures. During my visit in June, I experienced one full day of rain, while the rest of the days alternated between sun and clouds. Daytime temperatures were warm, with cooler nights.

From October to April, the rainy season brings higher temperatures. This period showcases the waterfalls in their full splendor. For comparison, during my June visit, the Cachoeirão waterfalls were mostly dry.

Chapada Diamantina is a popular holiday destination for Brazilians, so avoid visiting during Brazilian holidays if you don’t like crowds! I visited during São João and enjoyed the local festivities, but I timed my trek to finish just before the official holiday period began.

Chapada Diamantina Information

There is no entrance fee or permit required to visit Vale do Pati in Chapada Diamantina National Park.

How to Get to Vale do Pati

The Vale do Pati trek is accessed from Vale do Capão in Bahia, Brazil. From there, you can either walk or take a taxi to the trailhead. Check out my guide to Vale do Capão for information on how to get there by bus and for recommendations on where to stay before trekking to Vale do Pati.

What to Bring to Hike Vale do Pati

For a full list of what to bring, refer to my complete day hiking and backpacking checklists. For this hike I would stress the following:

• Trail Map. Download the map for offline navigation. 
• Backpacking Pack (Women’s, Men’s). Invest in a high-quality and durable pack that will last for years!
• Trail Runners. Women’s, Men’s. Sections of this hike may be wet and muddy; considering the heat, quick-drying trail runners will be most comfortable.
• Hiking Socks. Women’s, Men’s. Quick-drying wool will keep your feet dry and blister-free.
• Hiking Pants (Women’s, Men’s) and Lightweight Long-Sleeve Shirt (Women’s, Men’s). Bring long pants and a shirt with long sleeves to protect your skin from cuts from overgrown trails.
• Hiking T-Shirt. Women’s, Men’s. Quick-drying T-Shirts are ideal. Tank tops will cause your skin to rub uncomfortably against your backpack straps.
• Rain Jacket. Women’s, Men’s. Even in dry season, you may experience occasional showers.
• Swimsuit and Microfiber Towel. You’ll want to swim in the waterfalls!
• Hat. This hike is very exposed, so protect yourself from the sun.
• Sunscreen.
• Lip Balm with SPF.
• Mosquito spray.
• Water Filter. 
• Electrolytes. These help prevent dehydration and fatigue, especially on strenuous hikes in hot weather.
• Portable Charger and Cable. 
• Headlamp and Spare Batteries. 
• First-Aid Kit
• Tent
• Sleeping Pad
• Sleeping Bag and Compression Sack
• Stove
• Cash. Bring cash if you plan to stay at the homestays or purchase meals and snacks.

Where to Buy Hiking Supplies

If you’re in Salvador, check out Planet Outdoor Store for camping gear. The store is well stocked, and the owner is incredibly knowledgeable about Chapada Diamantina hikes! If you’re already in Chapada Diamantina, you may be able to find camping supplies in Lençóis. I wouldn’t count on finding equipment in Capão, which is a sleepy town. 

When it comes to food, some homestays in the valley offer meals for purchase along with snacks, fruits, and even alcoholic beverages. If you’re opting for a do-it-yourself approach, the small grocery stores in Vale do Capão surprisingly carry all the essentials you’ll need. For a wider selection, consider stocking up on food in Salvador beforehand.

Nearby Things to Do

Before or after completing the Vale do Pati hike, spend some time in Vale do Capão. There are quite a few things to do in this small town, from small hikes and sampling delicious local cuisine to observing the hippie culture. For more recommendations, check out my guide to Vale do Capão. 

Since you’re already in Chapada Diamantina, you should also head over to Lençóis, which has an equally impressive amount of things to do!

Thanks for reading, and I hope this guide to hiking Vale do Pati independently was helpful! Have you gone hiking in Brazil before? Let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments. Happy trails!

For more places to explore, check out my Brazil destination guides and Brazil hikes page.

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